El Tecolote, Founded by Former Instructor Juan Gonzales, Turns 44

August 21, 2014

SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER -- El Tecolote, the Mission district’s biweekly newspaper, has always moved to its own rhythm. Now, rhythm is helping to sustain the newspaper. El Tecolote — that’s The Owl, for people who aren’t as bilingual as the free newspaper’s pages — is marking its 44th birthday Saturday with a fundraiser featuring salsa and Latin jazz. The newspaper, which relies on a largely volunteer staff, has highlighted other pressing issues for the community since 1970, when Gonzales, then teaching Latino-focused journalism at San Francisco State, printed the first four four-page editions with a $300 donation.